Leon W. Steele

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Leon W. Steele (RA12290526), Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On the night of 16 July 1953, in the vicinity of Kumhwa, Korea, Sergeant First Class (then Sergeant) Steele was platoon sergeant of a combat patrol advancing to Hill 326, a contested position near enemy lines. Reaching the crest of the hill, Sergeant Steele immediately deployed his men in an effective defense perimeter. He soon observed an enemy force approaching the position and, alerting his men, aggressively led the patrol in the ensuing fire fight. After repelling the attack, the unit moved back approximately thirty yards to more advantageous positions. Learning that two comrades were missing, Sergeant Steele courageously ran back to the previous location through heavy enemy mortar and artillery fire to evacuate them. Ring with the men, he was informed that the platoon leader had been mortally wounded and, after receiving the order to return, he safely guided the patrol back to the main line of resistance. Sergeant Steele’s outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.